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2006 Volkswagen Jetta

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Jetta years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta are substantially higher than the model-year median of 68.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

508 reports with mileage · 72 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 245 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 112 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports6 fire reports14 injury reports

Structure complaints

23 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2012
Structure

2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH HEADLINER *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WITHIN IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, HE NOTICED THE HEADLINER WAS PULLING AWAY FROM THE REAR PILLARS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10474803

79,000 miles · Aug 8, 2012
Electrical SystemStructure

THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW IN MY VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THEY TOLD ME THE CAUSE WAS A FAULTY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HARNESS. THERE WERE SEVERAL WIRES THAT WERE BROKEN OR ABOUT TO BREAK, AND THEY SUGGESTED I REPLACE IT IMMEDIATELY. I WAS QUOTED OVER $400 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. THIS ISSUE …

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THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW IN MY VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THEY TOLD ME THE CAUSE WAS A FAULTY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HARNESS. THERE WERE SEVERAL WIRES THAT WERE BROKEN OR ABOUT TO BREAK, AND THEY SUGGESTED I REPLACE IT IMMEDIATELY. I WAS QUOTED OVER $400 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. THIS ISSUE WAS RECALLED ON THE EARLIER MODELS, AND THEN FIXED ON THE 2008 AND LATER MODELS DURING PRODUCTION. HOWEVER THE 2006 AND 2007 MODELS ARE STILL AFFECTED BY THE PROBLEM. VOLKSWAGEN HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS CRUCIAL PART AND CONTINUES TO LET ITS CUSTOMERS PAY FOR THE DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW IN THESE VEHICLES. WARNING TO POTENTIAL BUYERS: BEFORE PURCHASING A 2005.5 (NEWER BODY STYLE), 2006, OR 2007 JETTA CHECK TO MAKE SURE THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN FIXED. OTHERWISE, YOU COULD WIND UP WITH YOUR POWER WINDOWS, LOCKS, MIRRORS, GAS DOOR, AND TRUNK RELEASE NO LONGER WORKING WHEN YOU NEED THEM TO. ALSO, I WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION WITH THIS PROBLEM. IT IS A RISK AND A SAFETY CONCERN THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10469731

79,000 miles · May 31, 2012
Electrical SystemStructure

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WIRING HARNESS HAS DESIGN FLAW AS REFLECTED IN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS DOCUMENTED ON-LINE. REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLES MAY BE FOUND AT FOLLOWING LINK. HTTP://REPAIRPAL.COM/VOLKSWAGEN-JETTA-2006. THE DESIGN FLAW POSES AN RESCUE HAZARD IN EVENT OF ACCIDENT, AS NON OF THE ELECTRICAL DOOR LOCKS CAN BE UNLOCKED AND WINDO…

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DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WIRING HARNESS HAS DESIGN FLAW AS REFLECTED IN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS DOCUMENTED ON-LINE. REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLES MAY BE FOUND AT FOLLOWING LINK. HTTP://REPAIRPAL.COM/VOLKSWAGEN-JETTA-2006. THE DESIGN FLAW POSES AN RESCUE HAZARD IN EVENT OF ACCIDENT, AS NON OF THE ELECTRICAL DOOR LOCKS CAN BE UNLOCKED AND WINDOWS CANNOT BE LOWERED. ACCESS TO GAS TANK TO FILL REQUIRES DISMANTLING OF TRUNK COMPARTMENT FOR MANUAL LATCH MANIPULATION, WHICH CARRIES RISK OF CUTS AND BRUISES. REPAIR COSTS $677.00. SHOULD BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED BY VOLKSWAGEN AT NO COST TO CONSUMER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10460140

60,000 miles · Dec 21, 2011
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TRUNK WOULD NOT REMAIN LOCKED AND WOULD PERIODICALLY FLY OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MIL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TRUNK WOULD NOT REMAIN LOCKED AND WOULD PERIODICALLY FLY OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #10440858

24,406 miles · Dec 19, 2011
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

BOUGHT NEW VW JETTA SEDAN ON 08/17/06. ON 05/13/10 TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF CAR DECELERATING WHILE DRIVING I.E. DROPPING IN SECONDS FROM 60 MILES TO 20 MILES. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER ANSWER "UNABLE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM" UNTIL WARRANTY OF FOUR YEARS EXPIRED. THE PROBLEM…

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BOUGHT NEW VW JETTA SEDAN ON 08/17/06. ON 05/13/10 TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF CAR DECELERATING WHILE DRIVING I.E. DROPPING IN SECONDS FROM 60 MILES TO 20 MILES. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER ANSWER "UNABLE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM" UNTIL WARRANTY OF FOUR YEARS EXPIRED. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES EVEN AFTER THE CARBON ACCUMULATED ON THE THROTTLE WAS CLEANED AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. DUE TO UNSAFE TO DRIVE, REQUESTED FOR THE DEALER TO BUY THE CAR BACK AS A LEMON. THE DEALER REFUSES BECAUSE THE FOUR YR WARRANTY IS OVER. OTHER PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED WITH THIS VEHICLE DURING THIS PERIOD: AIR BAGS LIGHTS GOING OFF, AIR BAG COVER FALLING OFF, TRUNK OPENING ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING, RAIN WATER LEAKING INSIDE THE LINING OF THE CAR, SCREWS COMING OFF A DOOR PANEL, DOORS FALLING OFF THE HINGES, EMERGENCY SWITCH FALLING INSIDE PANEL, FUEL CAP NOT LOCKING, RECALLS. DEALER RECOMMENDING TO REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN FOR 2,340.

NHTSA ODI #10440788

75,000 miles · Jan 11, 2011
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

THE TRUNK OF MY 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TURBO WILL RANDOMLY OPEN WHILE DRIVING AND/OR PARKED. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON SEVERAL OCCASION BLOCKING THE VISIBILITY FROM MY REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE TRUNK WILL ALSO CLOSE, HOWEVER, THE CAR/DASHBOARD RECOGNIZES THE TRUNK AS BEING OPEN; DISABLING THE ABILITY TO OPE…

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THE TRUNK OF MY 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TURBO WILL RANDOMLY OPEN WHILE DRIVING AND/OR PARKED. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON SEVERAL OCCASION BLOCKING THE VISIBILITY FROM MY REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE TRUNK WILL ALSO CLOSE, HOWEVER, THE CAR/DASHBOARD RECOGNIZES THE TRUNK AS BEING OPEN; DISABLING THE ABILITY TO OPENING THE TRUNK WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY AND WITHIN THE CAR. I NOTICE THIS ISSUE USUALLY OCCURS MORE FREQUENTLY WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLDER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10376308

112,321 miles · Jan 1, 2011
Electrical SystemStructure

DRIVER'S SIDE WIRING HARNESS FAILURE - SEVERAL WIRES IN THE WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND DRIVER DOOR HAVE FAILED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE WINDOWS, DOOR LOCKS, RELEASE FUEL DOOR, AND RELEASE TRUNK FROM DRIVER DOOR. THERE IS NO MANUAL RELEASE FOR THE FUEL DOOR. THE FAILED WIRING ALSO RESULTS IN A CO…

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DRIVER'S SIDE WIRING HARNESS FAILURE - SEVERAL WIRES IN THE WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND DRIVER DOOR HAVE FAILED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE WINDOWS, DOOR LOCKS, RELEASE FUEL DOOR, AND RELEASE TRUNK FROM DRIVER DOOR. THERE IS NO MANUAL RELEASE FOR THE FUEL DOOR. THE FAILED WIRING ALSO RESULTS IN A CONSTANT DOOR AJAR INDICATION ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND ILLUMINATION OF THE FRONT DOME AND ENTRY LAMPS. SAFETY SYSTEMS MAY BE COMPROMISED IF THE ONBOARD COMPUTER BELIEVES THE DOOR IS AJAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10373717

69,000 miles · Aug 18, 2010
Structure

THE 2006 JETTA GLI HEADLINER FABRIC IS HAVING SHRINKAGE AND FALLING OFF. THE CAR INTERIOR LOOKS UGLY THE VW DEALER IS CHARGING $1100.00 TO CHANGE THE WHOLE HEADLINER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10350333

53,000 miles · Aug 10, 2010
Structure

FABRIC HEADLINER ON INTERIOR ROOF OF 2006 VW JETTA IS SEPARATING, SAGGING DOWN SO THAT I CANNOT SEE OUT OF REARVIEW MIRROR. APPARENTLY THIS IS COMMON DEFECT W/THE CAR- THE GLUE SEPARATES AFTER ONLY A FEW YEARS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10348438

51,000 miles · Feb 12, 2010
Structure

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR WHERE THE HINGES WERE LOCATED EXHIBITS DEFECTIVE ENGINEERING WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS. SEVERAL OF THE WIRES WERE BROKEN BETWEEN THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE AND THE DOOR. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DID NOT OPERATE AND THE POWER DOOR LOCKS DID NOT FUN…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR WHERE THE HINGES WERE LOCATED EXHIBITS DEFECTIVE ENGINEERING WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS. SEVERAL OF THE WIRES WERE BROKEN BETWEEN THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE AND THE DOOR. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DID NOT OPERATE AND THE POWER DOOR LOCKS DID NOT FUNCTION DUE TO THE BROKEN WIRES. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THEY COULD NOT ASSIST WITH REPAIR EXPENSES SINCE THE WARRANTY WAS NO LONGER VALID. THE CONTACT WAS CERTAIN THAT REPLACING THE WIRING HARNESS WOULD NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE SINCE THE WIRING HARNESS WAS BEING DAMAGED BY THE OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE DOOR. HE WROTE THE MANUFACTURER BUT RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE THERE AS WELL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,500. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,000.

NHTSA ODI #10308903

Official recalls

4

10V621000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Dec 10, 2010

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR, OR INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE FASTENING CLAMP AND ADJUST THE RELATED FASTENING CLAMP INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

09V164000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

May 19, 2009

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 25,594 MY 2006-2009 JETTA 5TH GENERATION EQUIPPED WITH 2.01 ENGINE. THE FASTENING SCREW CONTACT SURFACES ON THE DRIVESHAFT COVER PLATE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. SOME SCREWS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED PROPERLY DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD LOOSEN OVER TIME, CAUSING A KNOCKING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS COULD LOOSEN TO THE POINT WHERE THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHES FROM THE GEARBOX.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE IS MOVING WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE DETACHED DRIVESHAFT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE THE GEARBOX HOUSING. A DAMAGE GEARBOX HOUSING COULD LEAK GEARBOX OIL ONTO THE STREET AND CREATE A RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH FOR BOTH THE DRIVER AND OTHER MOTORISTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS AND REPLACE THE SCREWS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

07V442000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Sep 24, 2007

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." SOME VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE HAD A REQUIRED CAP INSTALLED WHICH DISABLES THE HEADLIGHT HORIZONTAL AIM AND SOME VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN A CAP THAT DISABLES THE VERTICAL AIMING SCREW.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: NONCOMPLIANCE CAN INHIBIT PROPER HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT FOR ROADWAY ILLUMINATION, IMPROPERLY AIMED HEADLAMPS COULD CAUSE REDUCED ROAD VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF A CAP IN THE SOCKET OF THE LOW BEAM HORIZONTAL AIMING SCREW AND INSTALL ONE IF MISSING, AND INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF A CAP IN THE SOCKET OF THE VERTICAL AIMING SCREW AND IF PRESENT, THE CAP WILL BE REMOVED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

07V284000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

Jun 25, 2007

CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L GASOLINE ENGINES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST THE UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CHAFING HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A FUEL LEAK OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR AND WILL ALSO INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.